The 4-Week South Florida Pre-Move Checklist

A South Florida move that goes smoothly on the day looks effortless. The reason it looks effortless: 4 weeks of structured preparation. Move-day chaos is almost always the result of last-week scrambling — and that scrambling is preventable with a clear timeline.

Here's the exact week-by-week checklist we send to clients after they book.

4 weeks out: Decisions and bookings

1. Confirm move date in writing with both your origin and destination buildings
2. Get COI requirements from both buildings (written, by email)
3. Book your moving company. Get a written estimate. No deposit if avoidable.
4. Reserve elevator/loading dock at both buildings if applicable
5. Make a "bring vs leave" list. Realistically — what do you actually use?
6. Schedule estate sale or donation pickup if downsizing

3 weeks out: Inventory and supplies

1. Get moving boxes (small, medium, large), packing paper, tape, markers
2. Order specialty supplies if needed: wardrobe boxes, dish-pack boxes, mattress bags
3. Photograph your existing furniture setup — useful for placement at destination
4. Start using up perishable food and freezer items
5. If shipping pets: book pet relocation service (Caribbean and overseas pet imports require advance scheduling)
6. Notify children's school of last day; arrange transcript transfer if applicable

2 weeks out: Utilities and address

1. Schedule utilities cancellation at origin (electric, water, internet, gas) for day after move
2. Schedule utilities activation at destination for day of move
3. Submit USPS change of address (form 3575)
4. Update address with: bank, credit cards, IRS, employer, voter registration, insurance, doctor offices, subscription services
5. Confirm COI has been received and approved by both buildings
6. Start packing non-essential items (books, decor, off-season clothing, kitchen items you don't use weekly)

1 week out: Packing and confirmations

1. Pack everything except essentials (clothes for the week, daily kitchen, toiletries, electronics)
2. Label every box with destination room AND brief contents ("Master Bedroom — bedside lamps, nightstand items")
3. Confirm with mover: arrival time, crew size, total estimate, payment method
4. Confirm with buildings: elevator reservation still in place, parking arrangement, dock access
5. Cash for tips (typically $20-$40 per crew member per day, or 5-10% of move cost)
6. Pack a "first night" box: sheets, toiletries, phone charger, coffee maker, pajamas, snacks
7. Defrost freezer if bringing it; clean refrigerator

24-48 hours before

1. Mover's pre-move call (we do this — confirms timing, last-minute changes)
2. Pack remaining essentials except first-night box
3. Disconnect electronics — TVs, computers, gaming consoles. Photograph cable setups for easy reconnect.
4. Wash and dry all linens and clothes before packing
5. Print copies of important documents (passports, lease, COI, mover contract) — keep with you, not on truck
6. Confirm parking for moving truck at both buildings — repeat the loading dock conversation
7. Charge all phones and have backup batteries ready — move day has lots of phone time

Move day

1. Be present when crew arrives (or arrange someone to be)
2. Walk the crew through your home — point out fragile items, anything unusual
3. Verify COI is on file with building
4. Make sure walkways and doorways are clear
5. Keep first-night box and important documents OFF the truck
6. After loading: walk through every room and closet to verify nothing's left
7. Confirm destination address and any special instructions with crew
8. At destination: be present for unload. Direct furniture placement room by room.
9. Walk through with crew when complete. Inspect any potentially damaged items immediately.
10. Final payment processed once you've confirmed everything is in order.

First week after move

1. Test all major appliances and utilities
2. Locate emergency exits, fire extinguishers, water shut-offs
3. Find local: pharmacy, urgent care, hardware store, grocery
4. Update driver's license to Florida (within 30 days for new residents)
5. Re-register your vehicle in Florida if a permanent move
6. Meet your immediate neighbors
7. Leave your mover an honest Google review — it helps other people choose well

What to skip

Things people overpack on but shouldn't worry about:

• You don't need to pack 2 months ahead. Most homes can be fully packed in the week before.
• You don't need to disassemble standard furniture yourself — your mover does that included.
• You don't need to clean before packing — clean after when boxes are out.
• You don't need to label every individual book or item — box-level room labels are enough.